I have wanted to write for sometime and I have been “deep in the heart of taxes” as a punster friend so aptly put it. Catching up on back taxes has allowed me to review my life; item by item, day by day, expenditure by expenditure and lesson by lesson. I have been forced, by process to look at my habits and behaviors, my emotional well-being and all the unconscious acts so blithely ignored. Fortunately, through that review and the accompanying practice of staying present (accounting requires that), I have also restored a lot of my prana (life force).

This process has given me another way to look at and another reason for doing my taxes. It occurred to me that, if bookkeeping were done monthly (as is usual) with a little clean up at the end of the year, we would be much more centered in our lives and perhaps in the perfect present time. In walking through this, it is clear that we would also be happier, not as afraid of money, actually have more money and be kinder and more joyful people.

We spend an inordinate amount of time in worry, fear, shame, resistance and unhappiness when it comes to money, taxes and the IRS. I’m sure there are amazing books written about this topic. In the past few years, I have been too busy playing duck and dodge to even know that it might be helpful for me to change my attitude in this part of my life. As I have started to wake up to my own denial, I am amazed how many of us share the same dis-ease.

It has been an incredibly powerful experience. I must fess up that I did, initially, hand it off to a professional who is much friendlier with QuickBooks than I am. I was happy because I could focus on the things I like to do and she could clean up my mess. In other words, I could stay in denial. Spirit was very clear that that was not to be. I had to take it back and look at the ins and outs of my life. I am glad I did.

I have learned a lot and am not finished. I went from total avoidance to being excited about looking at the underbelly of my life. As a result, I now know myself better; my needs, my wants, my emotional patterns and how they effect my spending. I do not hide from my fears, the business of business or what it takes to keep this sweet old home in good shape. I make better choices on where I focus my financial resources. It is easier for me to say no and I feel better when I say yes.

I have known for sometime that there is little financial education in this country. Somehow we are supposed to go from an academic and/or sports focused life of high school or college to an adult -- financially savvy with no training or understanding of how to handle resources, responsibilities and our futures. Most of us skip along doing the best we can without asking questions because we are too embarrassed to say that we don’t know enough to even know what questions to ask. It is a sad and dangerous state.

And, here we are, again, at tax season. (Isn’t this a pretty clear indicator of the importance of this part of our lives – we give it a whole season!!!) Again, what to do? I’m finishing my taxes and getting this year up to date so the accounting is easily manageable. I have made an appointment to review my finances with my CPA and, after that, a financial coach. I have picked up Suze Orman’s latest book* and am actually reading it. I am going to a Let’s Talk Money Game** tonight. I’m staring those financial monsters in the face and healing family, emotional and behavioral patterns with money, wealth, poverty, and anything else I can find. I am so ready to live well and have all my energy for fun and living fully.

I invite you to do the same. After all, it is the season! Find the resources. Ask all the questions you can think of. Then ask to know what you really need to know. Break it down. Make it simple. Ask for and accept healing on the emotional aspects of your financial issues. (Certainly, you didn’t think there wasn’t an emotional component?) Turn this trauma into an adventure that supports your joy and peace of mind. It will make you wealthier and not only by putting more money in your pockets. It will also give you a lot more energy to play and a lot more power to create.

Blessings with your financial consciousness and well being,

  *Money & Women by Suze Orman
**Let’s Talk Money on http://www.afinancialminute.com/

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Friends of WisdomDance

Each month WD will feature a colleague of Kim’s who offers high quality, high integrity services for you. Each person’s link will be added to the inspiration/resources section of the web site so that you can always find him or her

Courtney DeWinter

Delphine Healing Arts LLC offers Reiki training and healing sessions for people and animals in a comfortable, caring environment in Denver CO. The practice was founded in 2005 by certified Reiki master teacher Courtney DeWinter. She has over 10 years of study and practice in Reiki and other healing modalities. Classes offer this more rounded training with a special emphasis on students fully understanding techniques, healing and the connection between practioner and client. (Delphine is Latin for the word “dolphin,” for which Courtney has a special affinity.) You may reach Courtney at 303.572.8180 or through www.delphinehealingarts.com